People who may wish to avoid wheat-based bread include:
- Those with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition causing digestive symptoms in reaction to eating foods containing gluten, such as wheat-based products.
- Those with other types of wheat or gluten intolerances or allergies.
- Those who are following a low carb diet.
- Those who do not like the taste of wheat bread.
- Those who have made a personal choice to avoid wheat bread for another reason.
Many wheat-free bread alternatives are available, allowing those following a reduced-wheat or wheat-free diet to enjoy their favorite sandwiches, wraps, toasts, and pizzas.
In this article, we look at 11 alternatives to bread made from wheat. Most of these alternatives are entirely gluten-free, and many are also low-carb.
1. Rye bread
Rye bread is darker, denser bread than wheat bread and is rich in fiber.
Pros:
- available in most supermarkets and bakeries
- relatively simple to bake at home
Cons:
- stronger and more acquired taste
- not gluten-free or suitable for those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or allergy, or other reason to avoid gluten
Try this recipe for homemade rye bread. Rye flour is also available to purchase online.
2. Sourdough bread
People make sourdough bread from fermented grains, making digestion easier than many other breads.
While bakers use wheat in many sourdough breads, people can also find or bake sourdough bread from rye or gluten-free flour.
Pros:
- longer fermentation process may make nutrients more available and aid digestion
- gluten-free flour can be used when making gluten-free sourdough bread
- people can bake it at home
- contains probiotics, which support healthy gut bacteria
Cons:
- has a sour and more acquired taste
- sweet toppings, such as jam or honey, may not work with the sour taste
- not all is gluten-free, and grocery stores tend to stock wheat-based sourdough bread
Try this recipe for making a gluten-free sourdough starter.
3. Corn tortillas
Corn tortillas are tortillas produced from corn, making them an excellent gluten-free, high-fiber option. People use them for tacos and other Mexican dishes, but also as wraps and pizza bases.
Pros:
- gluten-free
- widely available
- easy to find when eating out
- easy to make at home
- lower carbs and calories than wheat alternatives
Cons:
- look and feel very different to wheat bread
- not suitable for people with corn intolerance or allergy
Use this recipe for homemade corn tortillas. Corn flour is available to purchase online.
Gluten-free bread is the simplest way to avoid wheat and gluten.
Pros:
- both gluten-free bread and gluten-free flour are readily available
- easy to make at home
- many types, brands, and recipe options to choose from
Cons:
- gluten-free bread tastes different to wheat bread
- needs more ingredients than wheat bread
Try this recipe for homemade gluten-free bread. Gluten-free flour is available online.
5. Gluten-free multiseed bread
Multiseed bread is a dense bread containing a variety of different seeds.
Pros:
- gluten-free
- seeds are a good source of protein and healthy fats
- simple to make
Cons:
- often not available when eating out or at supermarkets
- typically, a denser bread than wheat bread
Try this recipe for gluten-free multiseed bread.
Sweet potato slices can be an excellent substitute for bread. They can be used with any toppings and can even be toasted.
Pros:
- rich in nutrients and fiber
- gluten-free
- tasty and creative
Cons:
- do not taste like bread
Try this recipe for sweet potato toast.
9. Vegetables
Some vegetables make an excellent substitute for bread. Eggplants, large mushrooms, and bell peppers can be used instead of buns and sliced bread. Cucumbers and carrots are excellent for dipping instead of breadsticks and wheat crackers.
Pros:
- rich in nutrients and fiber
- low in calories
- gluten-free
- lower in carbohydrates
- tasty and creative
Cons:
- do not taste like bread
10. Coconut flour and squash flatbread
Making flatbread with coconut flour and butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin is a creative and tasty flatbread alternative to wheat bread.
Pros:
- gluten-free
- simple to make
- filling
Cons:
- not available at stores
Try this recipe for coconut flour and butternut squash flatbread. Coconut flour is available online.
11. Cauliflower pizza crust
Cauliflower pizza crust has become popular in recent years. People use grated cauliflowers, eggs, cheese, and spices when making these bases.
Pros:
- gluten-free
- easy to make
- low-carb
- some grocery stores sell frozen cauliflower pizza bases
Cons:
- tastes different to regular pizza crust
- includes eggs and dairy so unsuitable for vegans or those with dairy or eggs intolerances or allergies
- not a substitute for sliced bread
Try this recipe for cauliflower pizza crust.
Summary
Wheat bread is part of many cultures and traditions and many people’s diets. For those who need to or want to replace wheat bread, there are many healthful and nutritious alternatives to choose.
We picked linked items based on the quality of products, and list the pros and cons of each to help you determine which will work best for you. We partner with some of the companies that sell these products, which means Healthline UK and our partners may receive a portion of revenues if you make a purchase using a link(s) above.
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